I would like to introduce my two pet African Grey Timnehs Pepper (female) and Slinky (male).
I have had Pepper and Slinky since they were six months old and they have always shared a cage together. They are now 6 years old. I noticed last October that Pepper was exploring dark areas under cabinets, corners, etc. I put up a breeding box and about 3 months later Pepper and Slinky were going inside. Shortly after they started mating and that is where I am now.
Pepper has laid one egg 4 days ago, however it broke (don't know why). I think Slinky (male) was pushing it around too much. He probably did not know what it was. Yesterday, Pepper laid another egg and she has been sitting on it tight. They are my pet parrots and if they don't produce that is fine with me. I still interact with both the same. Pepper is very sweet and loves to have her head rubbed, etc. Slinky was never fond of being petted, but he is a fun bird that loves attention from a distance. He knows tricks on command (waves and dances) and will also step up. Right now he is very protective around the nesting box but will still take treats, etc. from me. But he hates when I check the nest box. I can't blame him.
I usually have my birds outside in an aviary in the summer weather permitting and will bring them inside at night.
I am not planning on hand feeding the birds in case they do hatch. I am really hoping that nature will make it right. In case of an emergency however I do have a breeder that can help out.
I just want my pet birds to experience normal behaviour and have them raise a clutch if they want. I would love to co-parent the babies so they are tame with human interaction.
However, with all the stories I have been reading, there is a lot of variables that can go wrong. The egg might not even be fertile, etc... I might never see chicks. That is fine too.
I love my birds and they are my pets and not my breeders. Having both worlds would be a treat!
I have had Pepper and Slinky since they were six months old and they have always shared a cage together. They are now 6 years old. I noticed last October that Pepper was exploring dark areas under cabinets, corners, etc. I put up a breeding box and about 3 months later Pepper and Slinky were going inside. Shortly after they started mating and that is where I am now.
Pepper has laid one egg 4 days ago, however it broke (don't know why). I think Slinky (male) was pushing it around too much. He probably did not know what it was. Yesterday, Pepper laid another egg and she has been sitting on it tight. They are my pet parrots and if they don't produce that is fine with me. I still interact with both the same. Pepper is very sweet and loves to have her head rubbed, etc. Slinky was never fond of being petted, but he is a fun bird that loves attention from a distance. He knows tricks on command (waves and dances) and will also step up. Right now he is very protective around the nesting box but will still take treats, etc. from me. But he hates when I check the nest box. I can't blame him.
I usually have my birds outside in an aviary in the summer weather permitting and will bring them inside at night.
I am not planning on hand feeding the birds in case they do hatch. I am really hoping that nature will make it right. In case of an emergency however I do have a breeder that can help out.
I just want my pet birds to experience normal behaviour and have them raise a clutch if they want. I would love to co-parent the babies so they are tame with human interaction.
However, with all the stories I have been reading, there is a lot of variables that can go wrong. The egg might not even be fertile, etc... I might never see chicks. That is fine too.
I love my birds and they are my pets and not my breeders. Having both worlds would be a treat!
Attachments
Last edited:
